Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Travel to your accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Enjoy your stay in Auckland’s tallest residential building with breathtaking bold views. Stretch out in the suite life beside Albert Park and inhale the sea air. You will feel at home in a downtown haven full of freedom and convenience. Take time to pause for a moment of ‘Wow’ as you walk through the lobby, a sleek century-old courthouse transformed for an impressive arrival. Once climbed by legendary French Spiderman Alain Robert, your towering hotel takes the meaning of ‘home away from home’ to new heights. Above it all, slide into a contemporary vibe and discover Auckland from the city centre. You have got culture, entertainment and the great outdoors on your doorstep!

Visit a true thing of beauty and cruise the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour!

Head out on this one and a half hour tour to see the Devonport Naval Base, travel past the township and North Head, then cruise towards the iconic Rangitoto Island as you pass the historic Bean Rock lighthouse. You’ll pass under the Harbour Bridge twice and then off to Westhaven Marina to catch a glance at the viaduct harbour bustling with super yachts!

Daily at 10:45am & 1:45pm. Tours do not operate on Christmas day.

Spend the morning exploring the city on a small group tour and then from midday, taste some of New Zealand’s best wine, eat local food and drink in the dramatic scenery of Auckland’s west coast.

After pick-up from your city accommodation, you travel up Queen St, through Auckland’s central business district, past Auckland University before a photo stop in the inner city park, known as The Domain. You continue on through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, known for its historic buildings, before heading over the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore.
You stroll on Narrow Neck Beach in historic Devonport before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria where there are stunning panoramic views of Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour. Then travel back over the Harbour Bridge to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the afternoon, leave behind the bustle of Auckland city and head northwest to taste the flavours of Kumeu Wine Country, Auckland’s Heritage Wine Region. Enjoy lunch at a contemporary vineyard restaurant, sample world renowned wines and marvel at the rugged surf-fringed coastline nearby.
Your first stop is at Soljans Vineyard. Soljans has won many awards for their wines and they are also widely acknowledged in New Zealand as being an expert producer of methode traditionelle (bottle-fermented) sparkling wines.

Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at Soljans Winery restaurant. The winery is built with sunshine in mind and serves Mediterranean-style food with a New Zealand twist, showcasing fresh seasonal produce from around the region.

Next to tempt the taste buds is West Brook Winery. The West Brook cellar door looks across an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic area to row after row of vines. The wines reflect true varietal character and their unique regional origins. Without exception they are premium quality and have won numerous awards.

Your final tasting is at Coopers Creek vineyard which offers outstanding wines from New Zealand’s best regions. Coopers Creek produces a wide variety of wines and are adventurous in their choice of grapes and blends. Your tour will finish at your Auckland accommodation.

Operates
Daily
Departs 9:00am, Returns 5:15pm (approx.)
Tour does not operate Christmas and New Year’s Day

Includes
– Auckland city tour
– Vineyard lunch with a glass of wine
– Wine tastings at 3 vineyards
– Knowledgable English-speaking driver / guide
– Pick up and drop off at inner city accommodation

Need to Know
– Due to the weather damage from Cyclone Gabrielle, Muriwai visits will not be available until further notice
– Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
– Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing (lighter clothing in the warm months, heavier clothing in the cooler months)
– This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua on a full day sightseeing tour, taking in the underground wonders of the Waitomo Caves and the silver screen magic of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Leaving Auckland in the morning, journey by luxury coach through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Hear about the history of the region from your local driver guide as you pass sites of interest, including Rangiriri, the location of a major battle in the Maori Land Wars in 1863.

Your first stop is at the small town of Waitomo, where you’ll enjoy a 45-minute guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Travel through these underground limestone caverns, discovered in 1887, and hear how the amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and other weird and wonderful rock formations were formed over a period of 30 million years. Finish off your subterranean tour with a short but magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, a spectacular cavern illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.

A picnic-style lunch is served on board the coach as we cross the Central North Island and enter Middle-earth! Just outside the rural township of Matamata is the private farm that was transformed into The Shire for Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Visit Hobbiton, home to Bilbo, Frodo and friends, and find out how the sets were created with a guided tour. You’ll get the chance to see Hobbit holes, the Mill, the Green Dragon Inn and many other structures created for the films. After your Hobbiton movie set tour, your tour continues to Rotorua.

Travel to your accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua your accommodation is only a short walk to the city centre, convention centre, cafes and restaurants. Here in the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture you’ll experience an enveloping warmth, proud spirit, deep sense of history and a quick humour. Picturesque cobbled and lantern lined streetways and striking Tudor architecture celebrates New Zealand’s significant colonial history. Travel the region by mountain bike or participate in local bush walks.

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Lake View Room

Enjoy some free time in Rotorua to explore this historic city!

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland filled with a plethora of activities and attractions to check out. The region’s unique location is filled with hot pools, geysers, mud pools and geothermal activity.

Visit Waiotapu, where there are many sights to explore. Experience the Champagne Pool and waterfall filled with rich vibrant colours of the mineral salts, bubbling mud pools, craters, and Lady Knox Geyser when you visit. Arrive in the morning to see the Lady Knox Geyser at 10:15 am. For a full day of relaxation, visit the hot mineral pools and treat yourself to a relaxing Polynesian spa treatment that uses the local products (like a Rotorua mud wrap or manuka honey facial). Go Zorbing! Roll down a hill in an inflatable globe in this truly unique experience. There are different tracks to roll down with up to three people in the globe. You can choose to roll down with water in the globe for a fun time splashing around. For the adventure seekers, try Skydiving, the adrenaline rush of the jump will have you accelerating at 200 kilometres/hour. All the great views of Rotorua are best seen from 15,000 feet above.

Photo Credit: Tourism Rotorua

Te Po is an authentic, one-of-a-kind evening event. It is a feast of storytelling, entertainment and Maori cuisine like no other you’ll ever experience.

The Te Po  Indigenous Experience begins with a mouth-watering buffet at the world famous Pataka Kai Restaurant, Bar and Cafe. With locally sourced cuisine and an authentic Maori twist in each dish, it is guaranteed to be a favorite with your group.

Following this, you will be led to view an exhilarating cultural performance which takes place in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a Pohiri (Traditional Maori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Moteatea (traditional chant), Poi and Haka.

Afterwards, enter the geothermal valley on a waka (people moving vehicle) and discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud, and beautiful native bush. For generations Te Puia has welcomed manuhiri (visitors) from all over the world to explore the magic hidden within Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. During this experience, you will be viewing the valley afterhours and resting with a hot chocolate upon naturally heated rock seating beneath the powerful Pohutu Geyser.

Operates:
Daily 5:30pm-8:30pm

Includes:
– Return transfers from your Rotorua CBD accommodation
– Buffet dinner
– Maori cultural performance
– Hot chocolate
– Guided tour of the geothermal valley

Need to know:
Please advise of dietary requirements.

Take a breath as you marvel at Mother Nature in Rotorua…

Find out how the world began, with a visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where in geological terms was created just this morning! Flying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot water spring; Inferno Crater with its mysterious geyser action; and Cathedral Rocks with vent billowing clouds of steam and more will be a photographic wonderland. Set amidst a landscape of erupting geysers, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools visit the authentic, living thermal village since 1863 of Whakarewarewa! Then see the unique lifestyles of a natural Maori village, filled with bubbling mud pools and mineral springs and the awesome powers of the ‘Pohutu’ and ‘Prince of Wales Feathers’ geysers. With so many natural wonders, Rotorua will inspire abundant moments of awe!

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Rotorua to Wellington (North Island).

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Travel to your accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located conveniently in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand. It is a short walk from Westpac Stadium, Te Papa Museum and the waterfront. Your vacation hotel has a direct elevator to Lambton Quay via a shopping arcade. Travel to New Zealand’s top wine regions, Wairarapa and Marlborough, which are only a short drive away. Or participate in adventure activities such as mountain biking, sailing, bushwalking and much more.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Get ready to let your imagination run wild as you explore filmmaking up close in the world of Weta Workshop with a guided round trip tour from downtown Wellington.

Weta Workshop is home to a community of artisans who’ve brought life to such films as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and many others. Weta Workshop is your gateway to filmmaking creativity as you learn about the making of movie effects, from armor to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures, and more!

Journey from downtown to Weta Workshop in your dedicated shuttle. Your friendly driver will point out iconic landmarks along the way.

Arrive at Weta Workshop for a guided tour of this famous special effect workshop. From The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to Avatar and District 9, learn about props, costumes and creatures created for your favorite films. Interact with cool stuff from the creative departments and catch an artist at work.

Discover the filmmaking technique of miniature effects and learn how they are built for hit TV and film productions. Wander through monumental miniatures from Thunderbirds Are Go and see an entire island, cityscape, and mansion fit under one roof!

Explore the retail shop full of collectibles, books, swords, games, merchandise and more, and look through the mini museum.

Operates:
Daily, except Christmas Day 8:45am-5:30pm

Includes:
– Return Transfers from Wellington Visitor Info Centre
– 90-minute Weta Workshop Experience
– Gift bag

Need to Know:
Photography is strictly prohibited whilst in tour spaces.

Upgrades:
Offered as a private tour. Can add lunch to your tour.

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Wellington to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Wellington to Queenstown.

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Travel to your accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

It’s all about location! Your 4 star accommodations sits in a tranquil lakefront setting only a minute’s walk from the heart of Queenstown with shopping, restaurants, nightlife and activities all within easy reach. This fresh, modern hotel features rooms and facilities furnished with the finest comforts and conveniences. A place where you can relax with surperb uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains and adjoining gardens. Comfortable and serene you will surely enjoy your stay here!

Upgrades Available: Garden View Room, Lakeview Room

Spend the day taking in the breathtaking sights of the land around Queenstown; with time spent at ‘Lord of the Rings’ filming locations.

For true Lord of the Rings fans, this is the trip where Nomad Safaris really does take you There and Back again. This scenic sightseeing tour includes recognizable filming locations and stunning natural scenery. The Glenorchy Safari of the Scenes takes you from Queenstown to Glenorchy stopping at breath-taking viewpoints. 

En route from Glenorchy follow the Dart River to the spectacular filming location for Isengard. This location offers stunning views of Mt Earnslaw. Heading to Paradise discover the location for the Forrest of Lothlorien. Leaving Glenorchy and heading towards Queenstown you will stop at 12 Mile Delta to explore the location of the Ithilien Camp. This tour also includes locations from X-men Origins: Wolverine, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Operates
Daily
Departs 8:00am or 1:30pm, Returns 12:30pm or 6:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Return transfers from your hotel or information center
– Visit filming locations
– Beautiful views
– Gold pan in the Arrow River
– Safari vehicle is a 4WD Land Cruiser or Rover

Need to Know
You have the option of staying in or near the vehicle for any of the stops on the tour.

Upgrades
Private tours available
Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour

THE LORD OF THE RINGS and the characters, places, events and items contained therein, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Middle-Earth Enterprises, LLC and are used under license by Rings Scenic Tours Limited and Wingnut Film Productions Limited, which are independently owned and operated.

Spend a day to relax or explore dynamic Queenstown.

This region is renowned for its incedible adventure activities and spectacular outdoor terrain. You could try skiing, snowboarding, bungy jumping, paragliding, jetboating, sky diving and more! Or, if you want something a little more relaxed, you can choose from numerous family activities, nature experiences, tours and beauty spas. One hundred and forty years after our establishment as a gold mining camp, central Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath majestic mountains. There’s a permanent buzz in downtown Queenstown, where you’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Spend the day taking in the breathtaking sights of the land around Queenstown; with time spent at ‘Lord of the Rings’ filming locations.

The perfect tour for those that want the thrills of an off-road adventure, but also want to discover exciting Lord of the Rings filming locations. The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you to The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the trilogy including the Misty Mountains. Travelling part way up Queenstown hill viewpoint you get a bird’s eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes. 

Travelling from The Remarkables viewpoint you will head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge, the trip heads to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was shot. Near Arrowtown you will experience a true off-road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning. From Arrowtown you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into Skippers Canyon.

Operates
Daily
Departs 8:00am or 1:30pm, Returns 12:30pm or 6:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Return transfers from your hotel or information center
– Visit filming locations
– Beautiful views
– Gold pan in the Arrow River
– Safari vehicle is a 4WD Land Cruiser or Rover

Need to Know
You have the option of staying in or near the vehicle for any of the stops on the tour.

Upgrades
Private tours available
Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour

THE LORD OF THE RINGS and the characters, places, events and items contained therein, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Middle-Earth Enterprises, LLC and are used under license by Rings Scenic Tours Limited and Wingnut Film Productions Limited, which are independently owned and operated.

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour in a stunning lakeside setting.

Your journey starts with a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once there, you can sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savor the delicious aromas as our chef has the best of local produce, sizzling away on the grill.

You’ll have plenty to choose from on the seasonal menu – salads, vegetables, succulent meat cooked on the outdoor rotisserie or grill. If you’re vegetarian, don’t worry, you are well catered for too. Then finish your meal with a scrumptious dessert.

After dinner, you can join an entertaining farm demonstration or explore the beautiful lakeside gardens.

On the magical night-time cruise home, you can enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-along with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Operates:
Daily (except Christmas Day)
Starts Multiple times in the evening from 4:00pm to 7:00pm (4 Hour Tour)

Includes:
– Return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw
– Farm tour/demonstration
– Lakeside BBQ dinner

Need to know:
Menu items are subject to change without notification. Licensed bar available aboard the TSS Earnslaw (Own expense). Substitute vessel used during 15May-26Jun maintenance period. Please advise of dietary requirements. Please bring non-slip shoes/boots, warm clothing and camera.

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.